UK Taxes & Import FAQ – VAT, Duties & Delivery Explained

1. Do I have to pay standard VAT on my order?

Yes, since our company is registered for tax in the UK, we must charge UK VAT (usually 20%) on all orders, just like a UK-based retailer would. This tax is paid to HMRC (the UK tax authority). The prices displayed on our webshop already include VAT.

2. Will I have to pay import VAT when my order arrives?

• Orders under £135 – No additional import VAT is charged because we already collect UK VAT at checkout.
• Orders over £135 – UK customs may charge import VAT (usually 20%) when your package arrives.
  
  

3. Do I have to pay customs duties?

It depends on the order value and product type:

• Orders under £135 – No customs duties apply.
• Orders over £135– Customs duties may apply based on the type of product and country of origin:
  • Clothing → 12%
  • Footwear → 4% - 17%
  • Outdoor Equipment → Up to 5%

4. Are there any additional fees?

Some courier companies charge handling or clearance fees for processing customs. These fees are set by the courier and not by us.

5. What is the difference between VAT and Import VAT?

These are two different taxes with different purposes:

• VAT (Value Added Tax) – A sales tax (usually 20%) that we collect at checkout and pay to HMRC. It is already included in our product prices.
• Import VAT – A tax charged by UK customs on goods arriving from abroad. It is usually also 20% and ensures that imported goods are taxed similarly to locally sold products.

Key Difference:

• VAT is a sales tax applied at checkout.
• Import VAT is a tax imposed by customs when goods enter the UK.

6. Who is responsible for customs clearance and import costs?

Since we ship under DAP (Delivered at Place) terms, you as the buyer (end consumer) are responsible for:
✔ Customs clearance
✔ Any import duties and Import VAT (for orders over £135)

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Please consult a professional tax advisor for specific inquiries. We assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information.

For more information on customs duties, please see the UK Government documentation: https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty